Mr. Henry "Jaby" Cooley

Mr. Henry “Jaby” Cooley, age 89, of Shelbyville, passed away January 22, 2024, at his home, under the loving care and comfort of his family and Hospice Compassus. Henry Barnail Cooley was born on June 8, 1934, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He left this world and transitioned peacefully into eternal life on January 22, 2024. Henry was a maintenance clerk for 30 years at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). Also, he worked part time jobs for several years for Tillett Brothers Construction, Dr. James Clark Dentistry, and Joe Hunt Insurance. Henry loved spending time with his family and friends; and enjoyed playing basketball and refereeing. He has fond memories of childhood friends Lloyd and Floyd Mitchell. He attended Bedford County Training School, Tennessee State University (TSU), and Scholarship-ed at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he met his wife, Elaine Cooley. Later, he was drafted into the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Hood Texas. Henry and Elaine were best friends for life. Henry was a faithful member of St. William Catholic Church since the early 60’s. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine in 2022, his mother, Esther Smith; father William Charles Cooley, Sr.; brother, Andrew “Andy” Smith; sister, Janie Mai Waters; brother-in-law, Luther Waters; brother, William C. Cooley, Jr.; sister, Jean Ann Cooley, brother-in-law, Charles Crutchfield; sisters-in-law, Etta Ruth Cooley, Delores Cooley, and Ann Waters. He is survived by a son, Ivan Cooley; daughters, Esther (Iginio) Fitzpatrick and Iris (Darcy) Cooley-Crowell; brothers, Lee (Marguerite “Dee Dee”) Cooley, George (Betty) Cooley, and Charles (Delores, whom is deceased) Cooley; brother-in-law, Jonathan (Zenobia) Venable; sisters-in-law, Laverne (Gary, whom is deceased) Craig and Cynthia Ogbeide. Grandchildren, John Fitzpatrick, Joseph “Joey” (Soco) Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Mary Fitzpatrick, Anne Fitzpatrick, and Tyreek “Ty” Crowell; great grandchildren, Cordelia Rose Fitzpatrick, Logan Fitzpatrick, and Landon Fitzpatrick. Funeral services will be 12 noon Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors 11 AM until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mr. Henry "Jaby" Cooley

June 8, 1934 - January 22, 2024